Skype has just launched an iPad-optimized version of their app on the App Store. Just over a week ago, a demo video showcasing Skype for iPad popped out of nowhere which was picked up by RazorianFly. Although we had doubts regarding its existence, Skype later confirmed that the app being demoed in the video was, in fact, the official version of their iPad-ready app. Keep Reading for official release statements.
Today, Skype released an iPad-optimized version of their app; Skype for iPad works over WiFi as well as 3G, has all the features that are on the latest iPhone app: Video chat, voice chat, plain old chatting with text only and the ability to use Skype credits for calling landlines and cellphones just to name the basics.
Video chat is for iPad 2 only, obviously, because of its dual cameras. Owners of the original iPad, however, will have to settle with only receiving video only.
As with every Skype client, you can send/receive video to all users irrespective of their platform provided their device’s hardware and software supports it.
From App Store:
Simple to use:
• Join Skype on Your Ipad in a few moments or just sign straight in to your account.
• If you already have a Skype account, your Skype contacts will automatically be there on your iPad.
• We’ve made adding new Skype contacts really easy.
• Once they’re in your Contact list, call, video or instant message them in one touch.
• Flick through recent calls and instant messages in your Skype for iPad history.
• Skype for iPad works over Wi-Fi or 3G (operator data charges may apply). Call Skype contacts on their iPhone, Ipod Touch, iPad, PC, Mac and even Skype enabled TVs.
As of writing, the new app is still rolling out with initial availability being in New Zealand.
Download Skype for iPad [iTunes Link]
The Xbox 360 is a major player in the video gaming industry, with over 25 million paying subscribers to it’s online Xbox LIVE service. Though nothing has been set in stone, a recent Xbox awards survey asked users which activities they most enjoy besides gaming on the Xbox. The choice of answers ranged from watching DVD’s to viewing Zune movies, and interestingly included “using Skype” as one of the choices.
The Microsoft team has remained relatively coy regarding full details of how it plans to use Skype due to the EU commission having yet to approve the buyout, although it was confirmed around the time of the takeover that the Xbox 360 and Kinect would be the first to benefit. Skype CEO Tony Bates reckons that the deal should be complete early this fall. “We already got through the US side of it,” he noted at a technology conference in Aspen, Colorado. “We still have Europe so it’s anyone’s guess, but I would say we’ve got a couple of months more here.. Maybe sort of an October time frame would be my guess.”.
Xbox LIVE, as well as Sony’s Playstation Network (when it’s not being hacked), already provides a novel way to chat with friends online. The introduction of Skype’s more advanced tech and software can only improve this experience on the Xbox 360 for everyone. The deal may just be struck in sync with the fall dashboard update which would make it an ideal marketing chip for the Christmas rush. The Skype brand is popular indeed, with over 170 million connected users worldwide, and Microsoft will be looking forward to start seeing some payback sooner rather than keeping everyone waiting up for expansion of Skype’s services.
As well as the Xbox 360, Skype will also be introduced into a wide range of Microsoft and Windows-based products. Skype has very recently improved Facebook integration, which allows users to see online users through their Friends Lists, and Skypers will soon be able to connect with Lync, Outlook as well as other communities.
Source: RedmondPie
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